Raby

Raby Castle will be opening its gates for the 2024 season on Friday 1st March with an exciting new addition to its popular tour.

The Housekeeper’s Sitting Room has been given a new lease of life as a reimagined visitor welcome space and will provide visitors with an additional snapshot into the fascinating history of the 14th century castle.

A new introductory video will be projected onto the wall of the Housekeeper’s Sitting Room for visitors to enjoy, detailing how the castle has developed through generations of Nevilles and Vanes; the two families to have owned Raby in its long history.

A delicate family tree mural has also been thoughtfully added to the Housekeeper’s Sitting Room. Created by illustrator Lucy Roscoe, it shows two intertwining trees representing the Neville and Vane lines and highlights the individuals who owned the castle. Acorns and leaves represent the wives and children, and the motifs within the tree have been inspired by the archives and collections.

The room was formerly used as the daily office space of Raby’s Housekeeper, the highest-ranking female servant in the household and has been thoughtfully restored by Raby’s in-house team with specialist guidance from historic paint specialist Charles Hesp.

Julie Biddlecombe-Brown, curator at Raby Castle, said: “Part of our inspiration for the Housekeeper’s Sitting Room was Raby’s Housekeeper from the early 20th century, Mrs. Millard, who we first encountered from details of her wages in the archives.

“One of her many responsibilities was to show important guests around while the family were away, and our new interpretation space will similarly introduce visitors to the history of the castle. The voiceover is a gentle reference to the story of Raby that would be told by the housekeeper to guests.”

Items which reflect the role of a housekeeper have also been added to the room. The display represents their working life and the items they needed to conduct their daily duties – from an administrative role, which involved keeping accounts and employing, managing and paying workers, to their responsibility for the valuable contents of the house such as linen and china.

Keys and personal effects, including a photograph of Mrs. Millard herself, will be on show alongside cookery and household management books which were donated to the castle by former curator, Mrs Elizabeth Steele.

China, which has been historically stored in the Housekeeper’s Sitting Room’s large china cupboards, represents some of the different sets Raby has in its collection and is a nod to the Housekeeper’s responsibility to keep all crockery and glass safe, clean and organised, ready to be used by the family.

Raby Castle has also made a further change to its tour for 2024. For mobility impaired visitors who are not able to access the full tour, a new touch screen in the Entrance Hall will allow them to digitally explore the rooms and read information inspired by the room notes used by the volunteers.

These exciting new additions are arriving during a momentous year for Raby Castle. This spring will see the opening of its new visitor experience, The Rising, which includes the remodelled Walled Garden. Historic and iconic buildings previously hidden from view have been renovated and repurposed to create elegant retail space and magnificent event and exhibition spaces, alongside a stylish new restaurant and visitor information hub, all intertwined with beautifully landscaped meandering walkways.

With so many exciting adventures to be had at Raby Castle this season, a membership is the best way to enjoy access to everything and anything Raby Castle has to offer*. The Raby Estate membership begins from £15 per year for children from 4 to 12-years-old, with family passes starting at £80 (two adults and three children), with benefits including admission to Raby Castle, the Deer Park and High Force Waterfall and 10% off at the shop, café and High Force Hotel. A Plotters’ Forest adventure playground extension is available.

More information and opening times can be found on the website www.raby.co.uk/raby-castle/

*The membership excludes special events.

The Rising at Raby Castle, has already created 30 jobs and we aim to deliver many more for the region when it opens this spring.

Historic buildings restored over the past two years have been given a new lease of life creating high-end retail, events and hospitality spaces for all visitors to enjoy.

The scheme, which has been the ambition of Lord and Lady Barnard who want to make Raby Castle more accessible to the community, and benefit the local economy, is now advertising for key positions in the hospitality, retail, tourism and gardening departments, as The Rising prepares to open its doors later this year and begin the next chapter in Raby Castle’s fascinating history.

A key area of the restoration project is the recreation of the historic glass house into a beautiful dining destination with stunning panoramic views of Raby Castle. The Vinery Restaurant will provide many unique career opportunities including our newly appointed sous chef and a bakery and pastry chef.

There has been a significant investment in a new kitchen facility at the stylish new eatery to enable Raby to produce home baked artisan breads and a range of pastries, alongside menus celebrating estate produce and use of seasonal flavours from the gardens for visitors to enjoy. A key benefit for these hospitality roles will be the predominate daytime hours, a fantastic perk for work life balance.

The stunning remodelled five-acre garden reimagined by world renowned designer Luciano Giubbilei alongside Lady Barnard will also see new roles appointing two estate gardeners supporting with the maintenance and harmony of this iconic horticultural creation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Claire Jones, head of leisure and tourism at Raby Castle, said: “The momentum is building now as we near the final stages of this ground-breaking development which will enhance our visitor attractions for generations to come and create a leading tourist destination in the north of England.

“We are looking for truly remarkable individuals to join our existing team of talented staff who share a passion and enthusiasm for this wonderful place.”

 

These roles include the appointment of a retail manager who will oversee the new shop in the Coach House, selling a selection of homeware and gifts, displayed on reclaimed furniture from across the estate. The Leisure and Tourism team are currently hiring a new Marketing and Events Executive to assist with the digital marketing to drive business aswell as planning and executing spectacular events in our fantastic locations. We are also looking for a dynamic, hardworking and experienced housekeeper to  maintain high levels of cleanliness within the newly developed visitor facilities. As well as providing a unique opportunity to work in extraordinary locations across this beautiful country estate, these roles offer a fast paced and varied position for someone bursting with energy, who is passionate about providing exemplary service.

 

 

Laura Evans in the newly created business development executive role and Tim Marshall as head gardener.

Laura will be responsible for showcasing everything Raby Estate has to offer following the opening of the unrivalled development scheme, including its corporate experiences and events spaces for a range of uses.

Head gardener Tim Marshall has managed the two-year project to transform the historic Walled Garden – working with world-class garden designer Luciano Giubbilei and is now supporting landscape architect Alastair Baldwin on the wider landscape.

 

 

Raby has continued the tradition of supporting younger generations by providing apprenticeships, placements and training programmes and where possible has hired north east based contractors and suppliers.

Raby Estates also offers the opportunity to work across the wider estate in extraordinary locations with job roles in departments ranging from farming, land management, forestry, property maintenance and restoration. The Estate are currently recruiting for a Seasonal Harvest Worker to lead on corn, rolling and secondary cultivations as well as non-tractor related tasks working on a variety of crops.

For full details about the new vacancies at Raby Castle, head to: www.raby.co.uk/careers

For further information on The Rising, please visit: www.raby.co.uk/about-us/development/raby-castle-development/

In the rolling hills of County Durham, nestled within the picturesque landscape of Raby Estates, lies a piece of agricultural heritage that spans over two centuries. Raby Home Farm, established by the Earl of Darlington with a vision to foster agricultural innovation, has stood the test of time, blending traditional farming practices with modern sustainability techniques. Today, the same family tends to the land, preserving the essence of the countryside while embracing responsible land management.

Our Raby Rapeseed Oil has been sourced from the rich soil on Raby Home Farm grounds, spanning over 5 acres, the rapeseed used in this oil embodies the essence of the region. What makes Raby Rapeseed Oil truly special is not just its origin, but the meticulous process it undergoes. Every drop of oil is cold-pressed by Lovesome Oil, a local family based company located in Darlington. This method, which is conducted at room temperature, ensures that the oil retains its natural colour and flavour, without any compromise. The seed waste from the oil extraction process is repurposed as nutrient-rich animal feed, which is then used across the estate.

Raby Rapeseed Oil

What sets Raby Rapeseed Oil apart isn’t just its taste, but its health benefits too! With less saturated fat and higher omega-3 levels than olive oil, it’s a heart-healthy choice for conscious consumers. It also boasts a high smoke point of 230 degrees celsius, making it ideal for a variety of cooking applications. Whether its used to roast vegetables, bake delectable cakes and pastries, fry crispy delights, or simply drizzle over salads for a burst of flavour.

For those eager to experience the essence of Raby in their own kitchen, Raby Rapeseed Oil is available for purchase at The Stables Shop at Raby Castle. Priced at £12.00 for a 500ml bottle.

Raby Rapeseed Oil

The Stables Shop | Wednesday – Sunday | 11am – 4pm

As National Apprenticeship Week unfolds across the country, it’s time to shine a spotlight on the incredible apprentices who contribute their skills, dedication, and fresh perspectives to various industries. Here at Raby Estates, we take immense pride in nurturing talent and providing opportunities for growth and development. We have several apprentices in various departments across the estate, spanning from accounts and business administration to land management and building maintenance.

Raby Apprentices

 

Connor | Gamekeeper Apprentice: Connor’s dedication to gamekeeping is evident in everything he does. As a Gamekeeper Apprentice, he works tirelessly to maintain the delicate balance of wildlife and habitat within our estate. Connor’s knowledge of local Grouse is exceptional, and his love for being outdoors on the fell is evident.

Owen | Painter and Decorator Apprentice: Whether he’s revitalising the historic interiors of our estate buildings or adding a fresh coat of paint to a modern space, Owen’s craftsmanship never fails to impress. His passion for his trade and his willingness to learn new techniques make him a valuable asset to our team.

Rosanna | Business Administrator Apprentice: Rosanna’s organisational skills and can-do attitude make her an invaluable member of our administrative team. As a Business Administrator Apprentice, she keeps things running smoothly behind the scenes, handling everything from scheduling to correspondence with grace and efficiency. Rosanna’s eagerness to learn and her dedication to her role make her a true asset to Raby Estates.

Izzy  | Accounts Assistant Apprentice: Izzy’s meticulous approach to financial management makes her an essential part of our finance department. As an Accounts Assistant Apprentice, she assists with budgeting, invoicing, and financial reporting with precision and accuracy. Izzy’s willingness to take on new challenges and her commitment to excellence make her a standout among her peers.

William | Joiner Apprentice: William’s passion for woodworking and craftsmanship shines through in his role as a Joiner Apprentice. His expertise spans from 1st and 2nd fix joinery to various other facets of the building trade as required, William’s skill and attention to detail are second to none. His dedication to his craft and his eagerness to learn from experienced craftsmen make him a valuable asset to our estate.

Tommy | Joiner Apprentice: Tommy plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and beauty of our properties, including assisting in the upkeep of the castle. Tommy’s responsibilities encompass a wide range of tasks, from general property maintenance to specialized joinery work. Tommy’s contributions are instrumental in ensuring that our estate remains in top condition, and we are proud to have him as part of our team.


Expanding our apprenticeship program is an exciting prospect for Raby Estates as we continue to grow and evolve as a business. We recognise the immense value that apprenticeships bring not only to our organisation but also to the individuals who start this journey with us. As we look towards the future, we are committed to developing our apprenticeship program across all areas of our business, offering opportunities for people who are eager to learn, develop, and grow alongside us.

Our vision for expanding the apprenticeship program is rooted in the belief that investing in talent and providing hands-on learning experiences is key to fostering a skilled workforce and driving innovation within our industry. By broadening the scope of our apprenticeship offerings, we aim to attract individuals from diverse backgrounds who are passionate about their chosen field and eager to contribute to the success of Raby Estates.

Whether it’s in roles related to estate management, conservation, hospitality, administration, or craftsmanship, we are committed to providing comprehensive training and mentorship to our apprentices. Through a combination of on-the-job learning, formal education, and practical experience, apprentices will have the opportunity to develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to excel in their chosen profession.

At Raby Estates, we understand that our people are our greatest asset, and we are dedicated to investing in their future. By expanding our apprenticeship program, we are not only building a pipeline of talent for our business but also creating opportunities for individuals to thrive and grow with us. Together, we will continue to shape the future of Raby Estates and make a positive impact in our community and beyond.

If you are interested in our apprenticeship programme please contact careers@raby.co.uk or call 01833 660888

RABY HIRES MANAGER TO DELIVER ESTATE’S SUSTAINABILITY VISION

Raby Estates has appointed a sustainability manager in a new role to set and deliver ambitious targets for environmental enhancement and meet the challenge of climate change.

Victoria Cadman, an environmental scientist with over 25 years consulting, NGO and advisory experience for private and public sector clients around the world, has taken up this newly created role to inspire, challenge and guide Raby to deliver agreed sustainability targets and accelerate the move towards a decarbonised future.

With an excellent track record in environmental science, project management and Environmental and Social Governance (ESG), Victoria will be responsible for developing and implementing Raby’s Sustainability Strategy and will be working closely with the property, farm and forestry management teams to support Raby’s regenerative farming strategy, co-ordinate agri-environmental schemes and develop carbon neutral, natural capital and scientific research initiatives across the Estate.

Duncan Peake, CEO at Raby Estates said: “Victoria’s arrival comes at a pivotal time for Raby as we continue with our ambitious development programme, The Rising, which will see investment, regeneration, and growth across the Estate to establish a new tourism destination and the first of its kind in the north of England.

“With Victoria’s assistance, we will commit to driving sustainability further at Raby by protecting the environment and playing our part in addressing the challenge of climate change.

“I have no doubt Victoria will quickly settle into the landed estate sector supporting Raby through a period of ongoing development and transition over the next few years and we’re incredibly pleased to welcome her to the team.”

Victoria will also develop other initiatives to engage tenants and suppliers with issues relating to additional elements of environmental sustainability and research renewable energy opportunities for the Estate to further Raby’s sustainability goals.

Victoria added: “I feel incredibly lucky to join Raby and at such an exciting time as it propels its offering whilst also restoring and repurposing heritage buildings.

“I am looking forward to working with the excellent team here, building on existing projects to help conserve the unique heritage and diverse natural landscape of this pioneering landed estate.”

For further information on The Rising, please visit: www.raby.co.uk/about-us/development/raby-castle-development/

 

Restoration work is underway on the 18th century Coach House and Stables here at Raby Castle, a key part of ‘The Rising’ development, the ambitious project to restore historic buildings to create a unique new visitor experience for 2024.

The prominent Grade II* listed Coach House and Stables reflect the Vane family’s long-standing passion for horses. The buildings were designed by renowned architect John Carr in the late 1700s, to house the family’s collection of heritage carriages, as well as its horses. As part of the restoration, each of the buildings’ original features, including cast iron Victorian stable partitions, have been refurbished and repurposed to create a unique heritage space, which will be used for beautiful retail and exhibition areas.

The Rising, Raby Castle, North East England

Showcasing Raby Estate’s rich past, the Coach House will house a free-to-enter exhibition, giving visitors a taste of what is to come when venturing into the historic castle, surrounding parklands and wider areas of the Estate.

The centrepiece of this exciting exhibition will be an audio-visual projection onto a bespoke carved oak eight metre table, sourced sustainably from the Estate, crafted by local artisan furniture maker Anthony Nixon, of Barnard Castle. The projection will showcase the unique Teesdale landscape, part of the wider Estate, and highlight iconic landmarks such as High Force Waterfall, as well as the sights and sounds of the local area and wildlife

 

 

 

In the neighbouring Tack Room, extensive refurbishments are underway, restoring and conserving items from Raby’s proud equine history, including saddles, bridles, carriage sets and a traditional travelling chest which belonged to Henry Vane, 2nd Duke of Cleveland when he served in the 75th Regiment of Foot. Each restored piece will be displayed in its historic setting.

The Drying Room, traditionally used for storage, will include an additional audio-visual display, presented by Lord Barnard, in which he will provide insight into the work of the wider Estate.

 

 

 

Adjacent to the exhibition space, will be a beautiful new retail space, offering a curated selection of homeware and gifts, displayed on reclaimed furniture from across the estate. Raby’s philosophy is local wherever possible, with the retail space offering high-quality, artisan gifts you can’t find anywhere else.

New gift and homeware shop opening at Raby Castle, County Durham

“The Coach House and Stables have been a fundamental piece of our family’s history”, says Lord Barnard, “and we are pleased that it will play such an important role in Raby’s future. As well as displaying elements of Raby’s equine history, we are delighted to be offering an improved retail space to our visitors, presenting local products – many from our own estate.”

“The restoration of this beautiful heritage building will ground visitors in Raby’s fascinating history”, says head of leisure and tourism, Claire Jones. “Key to its development was the safeguarding and celebration of its original features, whilst repurposing it for an exciting future.

“We want to embrace and celebrate Raby’s unique appeal, creating memorable visitor experiences for all. We look forward to welcoming guests to this unparalleled heritage setting for the opening in spring 2024.”

For further information on The Rising, please visit: www.raby.co.uk/about-us/development/raby-castle-development/  

 

 

EXCITING NEWS! Raby Castle is applying for the Green Tourism Award

The awards certification programme recognises the commitment of tourism businesses, actively working to become more sustainable.

Sustainability is a key focus throughout the Estate. The Rising scheme perfectly demonstrates this, from the reclaimed estate materials being reused and recycled throughout the development to the estate oak, which has been felled to provide beautifully crafted benches for visitors to use.

The environmental impact of the development has also been considered, and a ground source heat network has been installed, which will provide 60% of the annual heat demand and reduce the development’s carbon emissions by 40%. Read more about the Ground Source Heat Network HERE.
Estate produce will run through beautiful menus, and carefully curated products from local suppliers will line the shelves of the retail areas.

Join us on our eco-friendly journey as we strive to become a more sustainable tourism destination!

The picturesque Deer Park at Raby Castle opened for families and friends to celebrate the New Year with a charity walk in aid of Mind Darlington, raising over a fantastic £1,800 for Raby Estates charity of the year. 

Mind is an incredible Mental Health Charity in Darlington who also support the surrounding area providing quality care for local people.

Established in 1979 – because it was recognised that there was a lack of social outlets and support for people with mental health problems – Darlington Mind has grown substantially over the last 40 years.  Mind now covers Darlington, South Durham, Hambleton & Richmondshire, and offers a wide range of recovery support services to hundreds of people every year.

Volunteers from Mind were on hand throughout the day, taking donations to support its extremely important work.

Many visitors enjoyed getting their walking boots on and starting the new year with a refreshing walk through the wide-open space of the estate’s parkland, home to both Raby Red Deer and Fallow Deer. Bringing their beloved four-legged friends; whilst visiting the Yurt Cafe, Stables Shop and The Plotters’ Forest too at a special discounted rate.

Sophie Brown, events manager at Raby Castle said:

“We’ve hosted New Year’s Day walks here at Raby before and they have always proved popular as a fantastic way to start the new year.

“Not only did people enjoy the incredible scenery across our park, but they can do so knowing that they are helping a worthwhile cause – it’s a really great incentive and what a positive way to begin 2024.”

Simon Davidson, CEO of Darlington Mind, said:

“We are very proud to have been chosen as the Raby Estates Charity of the Year for 2024. It is great that an organisation of such prominence in the community recognises the importance of good mental health for everyone young and old alike, and the thousands who visited today seem to agree – their generosity in raising over £1800 is proof of that. The deer park, castle and enchanted trail are an ideal opportunity to exercise and connect with nature which is great for wellbeing. We are looking forward to working with Raby Estates for the rest of 2024 on their wellbeing initiatives.”

Raby Estates looks forward to working with Mind at future events in 2024. Alongside, The Rising Development opening in Spring 2024 where people can enjoy the wide open beautiful spaces, elevating the elegant leisure destination complete with heritage buildings restored to incredible event spaces, remodelled walled gardens by world renowned Luciano Giubbilei, stylish shopping, exciting events and great food, sourced within the Estate served in the new Vinery Restaurant.

Raby Castle wins the Visitor Economy Award category in The Northern Echo, County Durham Together Awards 2023 held at Hardwick Hall on Wednesday 6th December 2023.

The Visitor Economy Award recognises an individual, organisation or business who has play a vital role in promoting the county as a safe and great place to visit for staycationeers, supporting the hospitality and tourism sector, to help visitor economy, being an advocate for the county.

We are thrilled to win this award and would like to thank our fantastic team, visitors and community. The Rising development opening in Spring 2024 will continue to add to our visitor experience with incredible new facilities for all to enjoy, including the restoration of heritage buildings given a new purpose for the 21st century becoming magnificent event spaces. Close by, will stand the thoughtful recreation of the historic glass house which once stood in the same spot, The Vinery Restaurant. The Walled Gardens have been remodelled with renowned garden designer Luciano Giubbilei with Lady Barnard which overlooks the castle to create a peaceful haven of romantic planting and unparalleled views. The scheme has created a number of new jobs throughout the construction phase with this set to increase once the operation is up and running. It is so important to the estate to use as many local suppliers and materials as possible this includes reclaimed material from across the estate being reused and recycled for modern-day use. We look forward to welcoming visitors in Spring 2024.

Many thanks to Northern Echo for arranging the awards and the other two fantastic finalists Ushaw College and Kynren.

Visitor Economy Awards

 

Raby Castle and Estate, in the heart of County Durham, is committed to sustainability as part of its highly ambitious two-year redevelopment and restoration plan, known locally as The Rising.

The Estate has drilled two exploratory geothermal boreholes to identify whether a renewable energy source will help meet the annual heating requirements of The Rising scheme.

The Rising is the largest project undertaken at the Estate for generations and involves the restoration and repurposing of three beautiful heritage buildings in the magnificent grounds of Raby Castle, providing a unique experience for visitors. As well as the construction of two thoughtfully designed new buildings, it also includes the remodelling of the historic Walled Garden and the creation of landscaped public areas.

The project will open-up spaces that have never been seen by the public before, as well as introducing new event and exhibition spaces, retail, dining and a new visitors information centre. The first phase, the building of The Plotters’ Forest Adventure Playground and new visitor’s car park was completed in 2022, with the second phase currently ongoing.

Sustainability and futureproofing are a key focus for the Estate, and its custodian, Lord Barnard. Whilst expansion often means further demands on resources, there is a commitment to lessen the environmental impact of the development.

Raby Estate has been working closely with local specialist designers TGA Consulting Engineers, to explore renewable energy. The designer’s in-house Mechanical, Electrical and Building Performance teams have demonstrated, through in-depth analysis, that heat can be extracted from the ground via an ‘open loop’ Ground Source Heat Pump system, to provide 60% of the annual heat demand of The Rising scheme and reduce the development’s carbon emissions by 40%.

“The first stage of testing has shown extremely positive results”, says Matthew Cole, technical director at TGA Consulting Engineers. “This is an excellent and challenging project, with a lot of feasibility work on the appropriate integration of renewable energy solutions site-wide. It is hoped that the boreholes will deliver a minimum of 200kW of sustainable, low carbon thermal energy, with the opportunity to add further heat pump modules at a later date.

“The hope is to install a new district heating Ground Source Heat Pump system, to deliver heat to several buildings on the site – a valuable step towards Raby’s renewable future, and the start of Raby Estate’s net zero journey.”

“I am delighted that the initial studies have been so positive and suggest that we might have a long-term renewable energy source here at Raby Castle. Lady Barnard and I both felt it was important to pursue this and it would give me a great sense of pride to know that Raby Castle might secure a renewable future for the generations to come,” said Lord Barnard.

Further tests will be taking place over the coming months, with a final report due early in 2024.

For further information on The Rising, please visit: www.raby.co.uk/about-us/development/raby-castle-development/